Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aaron Nola

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Nola made an impact.

Aaron Nola is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. As a key player for the Phillies, Nola is known for his pitching abilities and contributions to the team. He is a notable figure in contemporary baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: First Phillies Pitcher Since Pat Combs to Debut Season After Draft

In 2015, Aaron Nola became the first Phillies pitcher to make his major league debut the season after his draft since Pat Combs in 1989, highlighting his rapid ascent to the major leagues.

1996: Beat Curt Schilling's Strikeout Record

In 2017, Aaron Nola beat Curt Schilling's 1996 record for most strikeouts by a Phillies pitcher with fewer than 30 starts in one season, setting a new milestone.

2011: Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays

In 2011, Aaron Nola was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays but chose not to sign, opting instead to attend Louisiana State University (LSU).

2012: Freshman Season at LSU

In 2012, Aaron Nola finished his freshman season at LSU with a 7–4 record and a 3.61 ERA in 89+2⁄3 innings, along with 89 strikeouts.

June 10, 2014: Signed with Phillies

On June 10, 2014, Aaron Nola signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $3.3 million signing bonus after being drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft.

August 6, 2014: Debut with Reading Phillies

On August 6, 2014, Aaron Nola made his debut with the Double-A Reading Phillies against the Harrisburg Senators, contributing to a 9-2 victory.

2014: National Pitcher of the Year Award

In 2014, Aaron Nola won the National Pitcher of the Year Award while playing for the LSU Tigers.

2014: Drafted by the Phillies

In 2014, the Phillies selected Aaron Nola seventh overall in the MLB Draft, and he signed with the team that June, marking the start of his professional baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2014: Awards and Stats in 2014 Season

Prior to the 2014 season, Nola was named first-team preseason All-American. He pitched to an 11-1 record with a 1.47 ERA, 27 walks, 134 strikeouts, and a .172 opponent batting average in 116+1⁄3 innings. He was named the SEC Player of the Year Award and the National Pitcher of the Year award.

June 14, 2015: Promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs

On June 14, 2015, Aaron Nola was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, marking another step in his professional baseball career.

July 21, 2015: Major League Debut

On July 21, 2015, Aaron Nola made his major league debut for the Philadelphia Phillies, becoming the first Phillies pitcher since 1989 to debut the season after being drafted.

2015: Advanced through Phillies' Farm System

Throughout the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Aaron Nola advanced through the Phillies' farm system, quickly progressing in his professional baseball career.

April 2, 2016: Named to Opening Day Roster

On April 2, 2016, Aaron Nola was named to the Phillies' Opening Day roster, signaling a promising start to the season.

2017: Strong Return to the Mound

In 2017, Aaron Nola made a strong return to the mound after recovering from an elbow injury, allowing two runs or fewer in 18 of his 27 starts.

2017: Beat Strikeout Record

In 2017, Aaron Nola returned from injury and beat Curt Schilling's 1996 record for most strikeouts by a Phillies pitcher with fewer than 30 starts in one season, marking a significant achievement in his career.

May 8, 2018: Career-High Strikeouts

On May 8, 2018, Aaron Nola struck out a career-high 12 batters in seven innings against the San Francisco Giants.

2018: 200 Strikeouts in a Season

In 2018, Aaron Nola became the fourth pitcher in franchise history to record at least 200 strikeouts in a single season, a major milestone in his career.

February 13, 2019: Contract Extension with Phillies

On February 13, 2019, Aaron Nola signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Phillies, including a $2 million signing bonus, solidifying his future with the team.

January 2020: "Strike Out ALS" Charity Event

In January 2020, Aaron Nola and his brother Austin hosted a "Strike Out ALS" charity event to support their uncle who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

2020: Third Consecutive Opening Day Start

In 2020, Aaron Nola made his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Phillies and pitched his first two complete games with the Phillies, both of which were seven innings due to a rule shortening doubleheaders.

April 18, 2021: First Complete Game Shutout

On April 18, 2021, Aaron Nola threw his first complete game shutout in the MLB, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0, showcasing his pitching dominance.

October 3, 2022: Phillies' Playoff-Clinching Win

On October 3, 2022, Aaron Nola started the Phillies' playoff-clinching win against the Houston Astros, pitching a perfect game through 6 and 2/3 innings.